Academic Resources

Grading and Report Cards

In order for HISD students to be promoted to the next grade level, they must show that they have learned what the State of Texas requires of all public school children. HISD “Promotion Standards” generally include classroom grades and a local or state test. Details about the standards are available online through your child’s school.

Grading and Report Cards 2019–2020

Academic Subjects

Conduct

90–100 = Excellent

E = Excellent

80–89 = Good; above average

S = Satisfactory

75–79 = Satisfactory; average

P = Poor; below average

70–74 = Passing; below average

U = Unsatisfactory

Below 70 = Unsatisfactory; failing

Grade Classification

In high school, a student’s total credits determine the student’s classification—i.e.., what grade level or “year” the student is in. Board of Education policy concerning classification is described in HISD Board Policy EIE(LOCAL).

Credits Earned

Classification (year)

0–5.5

grade 9 (freshman)

6–11.5

grade 10 (sophomore)

12–17.5

grade 11 (junior)

18 or more

grade 12 (senior)

Grades and Extracurricular Activities

Under the state’s “no pass/no play” law, eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities during the first six weeks of the school year is determined by a student’s grades from the final grading cycle of the previous school year or the number of credits earned during the previous school year. After the first six weeks, a student who receives a grade lower than 70 (or the equivalent) in any academic course is ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities during the first three school weeks of the next grading period. During that time, the student may continue to practice or rehearse with other students but may not take part in any competition or public performance.

2019-2020 Six-Week Grading Periods (used in most secondary schools)

First Grading Period:

August 26 to October 4

Second Grading Period:

October 7 to November 8

Third Grading Period:

November 11 to December 19

Fourth Grading Period:

January 6 to February 14

Fifth Grading Period:

February 17 to April 3

Sixth Grading Period

April 6 to May 29

Report Cards

Most middle schools and high schools (and certain elementary schools) send report cards to parents six times during the year, shortly after the end of each six-week grading period:

October 11

November 15

January 10

February 21

April 9

May 29 (ES/MS)

June 5 (HS)

Certain middle schools and high schools, however, observe nine-week grading periods; see the schedule for elementary schools below.